TEMPLATE

Project Details

CWL 01 is a purpose built data centre located in Newport, South Wales, designed to support critical digital infrastructure and high value IT assets. The operational demands of the facility, combined with the need for uninterrupted service availability, required a fire detection and alarm strategy focused on early warning, system reliability, and controlled response.

The project required life safety systems capable of providing rapid and accurate detection while minimising the risk of false alarms and unnecessary system interruptions. Particular emphasis was placed on protecting data halls, technical spaces, and supporting plant areas in line with data centre best practice.

Our involvement focused on the design coordination and technical assurance of the fire detection and alarm system, public address and voice alarm system, and aspirating smoke detection, developed in accordance with BS 5839, BS 6266, and BS 7273. The system architecture was designed to support staged responses, controlled shutdown interfaces, and clear communication during alarm conditions.

The integration of aspirating smoke detection played a key role in achieving enhanced early warning within critical IT environments, where traditional detection methods may not provide sufficient sensitivity. The public address and voice alarm system was carefully coordinated to support clear, intelligible communication aligned with the site’s emergency response procedures.

Pre Construction Phase Design

During the pre construction phase, our team developed the initial fire detection and alarm designs to establish a coordinated and compliant solution aligned with the operational requirements of a live data centre environment.

This included defining detection zoning strategies, aspirating system layouts, alarm cause and effect matrices, and interfaces with plant and shutdown systems. Design coordination focused on ensuring system resilience, maintainability, and compatibility with future expansion.

Close coordination with the wider design team was undertaken to resolve spatial constraints, service integration challenges, and access requirements, ensuring all systems remained accessible for inspection, testing, and maintenance.

The pre construction design work provided a robust technical foundation to support approvals, stakeholder confidence, and progression into detailed design.

Pre Construction Phase Documentation and Planning

In parallel with design development, a comprehensive suite of pre construction documentation was prepared to support quality assurance, safety management, and controlled delivery.

This included technical submissions outlining system intent, performance criteria, and compliance with BS 5839, BS 6266, and BS 7273.

Inspection and Test Plans were developed to define verification procedures, inspection stages, and acceptance criteria for all life safety systems.

Initial Risk Assessment Method Statements were produced to address the challenges of working within a data centre environment, including controlled access areas, protection of live equipment, and coordination with operational teams.

An outline programme was also developed to coordinate works with site access restrictions and commissioning activities, ensuring minimal impact on operational readiness.

Through structured design development, detailed documentation, and continued technical support, the fire detection and life safety systems were delivered as intelligent and compliant solutions, enhancing early fire detection, supporting clear emergency communication, and protecting the continuity of critical digital infrastructure.